More Covid-19 vaccine from Japan on the way

Another 320,000 doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine manufactured in Japan will soon arrive in Vientiane, according to a source from the Embassy of Japan to Laos.
The scheduled arrival of the vaccine is the latest aid of its kind provided by the government of Japan.
The planned donation was announced last month by Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Hayashi Yoshimasa.
The shipment is in addition to the 616,820 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine provided by the Japanese government to Laos in August.
The donation in August was made through the COVAX Facility – a partnership co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the World Health Organisation, with UNICEF as the key delivery partner.
The total number of doses donated by Japan is now approaching 950,000.
Japan has been providing various forms of assistance to Laos to support the government’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus, including medical supplies and personal protective equipment in addition to vaccine.
The Japanese government also intends to strengthen cold chain logistics in Laos by providing refrigerators and freezers under the Last One Mile Support programme.
This is aimed at accelerating the rollout of vaccinations to as many people as possible.
Japan has pledged to continue its efforts to assist Laos to tackle and overcome the Covid crisis.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update December 22, 2021)